“There is no greater motivator than having to win,’’ said Princeton coach Tim Campbell, who has taken the Tigers to three straight MCT finals winning in 2011. “We are playing with a sense of urgency and that is what you want at this time of the year.’’

Steinert and Hopewell Valley is the most interesting preliminary matchup with the winner getting Notre Dame. The Irish haven’t lost to a CVC team since the 2011 final to Princeton.

North will await the Paul VI and Lawrence winner. The Cardinals own a pair of wins over the Knights. Both coming back in the Hamilton Holiday Tourney. The second seeded Ravens get the Hightstown and Nottingham winner.

Princeton will meet South in the quarterfinals. The Pirates just edged Princeton, 3-2 a week ago.

The MCT is always highly contested and the 2013 version should be no different.

Bolton Boosts Lawrence

Julian Bolton has proven to be a very effective forward.

He has proven to be a very sound defender.

Simply put, the junior is a hockey player that is willing to do whatever it takes to get Lawrence a win.

So, Julian which do you prefer?

“Whatever the team needs,’’ Bolton declared. “If they needed me on ‘D’ I’ll play there and if they need me on offense I’ll go there.’’

Bolton had accounted for double digits in goals and when he’s on the defensive side he’s not afraid to challenge some of the best forwards around.

“I like the challenge on defense,’’ said Bolton. “Playing tight defense isn’t something I’m not used to, but I’m up for it.’’

Bolton credits first-year coach John Ritchie with being the catalyst for the turn around in the Cardinals, who are headed to the state tourney for the first time since 2006.

“We are playing with so much confidence,’’ said Bolton. “It would mean a lot to win the division, too. Especially for the seniors.’’ The Cardinals, who have clinched at least a tie for the Patriot Division, are a win over Steinert (Monday) away from standing alone atop the division.

Bolton will be looking to do whatever he can to aid the Cards, on the front line or on the back line.

Anker Ready for the Final Run

Kellen Anker’s skill between the pipes is well known. He has a goals against average just over 1.00 and his play keeps Robbinsville in every game.

As the season continues to speed toward a conclusion the senior goalie knows his competitive days on the ice are also winding down.

“It dawned on me,’’ said Anker of his final games. “It’s kind of sad that this might be the last hockey I play. You want to make the most of it because it is your final games.’’

The Ravens are a two time Colonial Division champs and they will garner a top seed in the MCT. They have the talent to challenge in the state tourney and there is nothing Anker would like more than a great final run.

“It’s hard to think it’s going to end,’’ said Anker. “You have been playing for so long and you sacrifice so much. ‘’

The sacrifices Anker has made are shown in the Ravens record and his statistics. If he trades his pads in for a golf club while he has been far above par at the rink he’ll definitely be under par on the course.

Clean up the Cheap Shots

There is going to be contact and plenty of it in a hockey game, but when a player disregards going after the puck just to hit another player that’s just a classless act.

There was a game this week at Mercer County Park that was riddled with too many cheap shots.

When players act that way on the ice and slam doors off the ice, it not only reflects on the school they represent, but more importantly it reflects directly upon them.

No one likes to lose – and not every official’s call is always right – but if the worst thing that happens in life is a two-minute penalty or a loss in a hockey game that’s a pretty good life.

My advice to officials when these continual cheap shots occur stop the game, get the coaches and captains together and let them know if it continues players will be thrown out.

And to the coaches I say if you have players that insist on hurting their team with their actions, it’s better to lose with players that respect your authority, the officials and the game.

One that Cleaned it Up

While the actions that I referred to above are those of a few one of the teams that have been very composed on the ice has been Nottingham.

It’s hasn’t been easy suffering through all the losses, but the ‘Stars have done a great job of staying focused.

Alex Chis-Luca, the Nottingham coach, and his players are to be commended for the way they have carried them on ice.

“I know how hard they battle for what they get,’’ said Chis-Luca. “These kids have just kept battling and that is all you can ask for.’’

Hopefully, things can work out with a merger a joint venture will reward those that are working hard on and off the ice.

2012-13 Regular Season

•Monday is the final day of the regular season in the CVC and it’s been an interesting one. Some of the bright spots have been the rise of Lawrence, Hightstown and Steinert.

•The best game and the best atmosphere belonged to Princeton Day at Lawrenceville. The game had everything even a Big Red win in the final seconds.

•More than a few freshmen came on the scene and made an immediate impact in the CVC and the Prep ranks.

•Then there are the seniors that have made their last season a memorable one.

•Notre Dame made it two straight perfect conference seasons.

•There are some things that need to be corrected, especially the Hamilton situation.